Apple removes Iranian apps from App Store: Reports

Ali Maleki, who works for Iran’s biggest e-commerce site Digikala, told The Associated Press that the app was shut down around 10 days ago. He said Digikala’s app has been removed “based on the new type of sanctions which were imposed against Iran.”

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jahromi tweeted: “11% of Iran’s mobile phonemarketshare is owned by Apple. Giving respect to consumerrights is a principle today which Apple has not followed. We will follow up the cutting of the apps legally.”

The move comes two years after the historic nucleardeal between Iran and world powers, in which Iran accepted curbs on its contested nuclear program in return for lifting sanctions. U.S. legislation passed earlier thismonth imposed mandatory penalties on people involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program and anyone who does business with them.

Apple is not officially in Iran or any other Persian Gulf countries, but many Iranians purchase its products from stores inside Iran.